When Justin Duchscherer returns to the Oakland roster, it will be as a starting pitcher rather than in the bullpen, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Manager Bob Geren told the newspaper that Duchscherer is being rehabbed as a starting pitcher as he recovers from March elbow surgery. Geren added that the team wants Duchscherer pitching in whatever role keeps him healthiest. That is why there had been some internal discussion about having Duchscherer return to the bullpen, where there might be less wear and tear. Duchscherer, an All-Star as both a starter and as a reliever, has been on the disabled list five times in the past four years. He had an arthroscopic procedure in late March to clean up his elbow.
Duchscherer, who will be a free agent after the season, has been clear about the fact that he'd prefer starting to relief work. He told the Chronicle that he had figured he'd be starting based on his current throwing program.
He said he is throwing long toss at a distance of 120 feet and he should start throwing off the mound soon. He told the paper that his arm "feels great" and that he believes he can return to the team right around when he is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on June 4.
